Charles White Leeper

April 23, 2009

WILLIAMSBURG — The Greatest Generation lost another charter member. Charles White 'Mickey' Leeper passed away peacefully at Morningside on April 17, 2009. His wife of nearly 62 years was holding his hand.

Born in Burnham, Pa., on May 17, 1922, he attended school in Burnham and Lewistown, Pa. He was a veteran of World War II where he proudly served as a B-24 Bombardier in the European Theater of Operations, earning awards including the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism. Following the war, he returned to finish his college degree at Juniata College, where he studied business and was a three-sport scholarship holder. At Juniata, he met his love and lifelong partner, Betty Spencer, whom he married in 1947. Mickey provided for his family as a Sales Manager for Standard Steel, taking him to Chicago, Ill., Birmingham, Ala., and back home to Lewistown until his retirement in 1985. He and Betty continued to live in Lewistown until 2006 when they moved to Williamsburg, Va.

He is survived by his wife, currently of Williamsburg; son, Jeff Leeper and wife, Lauri of Williamsburg, daughter, Karen Barker of Port St Lucie, Fla., and son, Jim Leeper and wife, Eileen of Hanover, Pa. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren to cherish his memory.

Everyone who ever met Mick Leeper instantly knew that they had met a man who was committed to everything he touched. A dedicated son, brother, husband, and father, he set an example for his family that set the bar amazingly high. A patriot, who volunteered his service to his country and his community, he was dedicated to service above self. A friend, who would gladly give the shirt off his back, he will always be remembered as a man who went a step beyond in loyalty and brotherhood. A man of deep faith, crucial to the inner workings of each Presbyterian Church in which he was a member, he walked the walk and shared his inner peace with all.

Mick Leeper would not want anyone to grieve his passing. Rather he would want everyone he touched to celebrate his life and to go on to make theirs better.

A Memorial Service in his honor will be held at 11 a.m. on June 27, at the Lewistown Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimers Association, Southeast Virginia Chapter, 757-459-2405.